Wits mountain to climb
PIRATES: COACH MICHO SREDOJEVIC HAS THE UNENVIABLE TASK OF LIFTING HIS SIDE’S SPIRITS
Gavin Hunt’s men have won their first two league matches.
Amarauding Bidvest Wits would probably be the last team Micho Sredojevic’s wounded Orlando Pirates would have wanted next on their agenda but the Buccaneers will have to quickly move on from their embarrassing MTN8 defeat to SuperSport United and be ready for a fight tomorrow night.
The Buccaneers host Gavin Hunt’s red-hot Students at Orlando Stadium, with the match set to kick off at 7.30pm. In a season where much is expected from the Buccaneers in terms of lifting some silverware following a very strong improvement last campaign, it wasn’t a good start for the Soweto giants after crashing out of the first cup tournament this season losing 4-3 on penalties to Matsatsantsa after the match ended 2-2 after extra-time.
Ahead of the Wits clash, Sredojevic is determined to see his charges step up as they head to their third league game of the season, having drawn their first match with Highlands Park before sealing a 1-0 victory against Chippa United.
“Very disappointed, but we need to pick the pieces because the league is continuing on Wednesday. We need to find the mental strength to bounce back stronger in the league game and get over this disappointment,” said the Bucs coach.
“Now we have crucial jobs such as the physical condition of the players and lifting their mentality and to show the real character of Orlando Pirates by bouncing back with a good performance,” he added.
Sredojevic handed former Wits midfielder Ben Motshwari his full debut in the game against SuperSport and the Serb was really impressed with the player’s individual performance despite the loss and adds that all his new signings have done quite well.
He will be looking for more of the same or an even improved performance from Motshwari against his former side who have started in fine style with impressive wins over Free State Stars and Kaizer Chiefs.
“He really stepped in, gave a very good performance despite not having match fitness. His first match and it showed that he has increased the pool of our players that will compete for the central midfield position for the rest of the season.
“Not only him, even others, they have shown something that we have asked of them … spirit and body language.”
Pirates face a Wits side that have started the season on a very positive note, winning both of their opening two league matches. Gavin Hunt’s men have conceded just one goal and scored six in the process after thrashing Stars 3-0 and then beating Chiefs 3-1.